And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. Genesis 7:7 KJV
The Apostle Peter comments on this verse in 1 Peter 3:20 referring to the disobedience of man, longsuffering of God, and salvation of just eight people. The disobedience of man was so great God decided to destroy all mankind. The punishment seems extreme but it was just: God made man, strove with man, and extended the life of mankind (Genesis 6:6). God was also longsuffering in that He delayed punishment for 120 years while Noah prepared the Ark. This longsuffering of God was an opportunity for people to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:15). Noah and his family experienced salvation due to the grace of God (Genesis 6:8). They did not deserve it but as they entered the Ark, God saved them.
Lord, I thank You for Your patience and grace, which provides people with the extended opportunity to experience the salvation You have made available in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me be diligent in my walk with You as Noah was diligent in preparing the Ark, and help me be diligent in proclaiming the availability of salvation to the perishing.
